Visitors to the Lake of the Ozarks and residents alike can enjoy watching bald eagles in their natural habitat. While it’s estimated that about 600 eagles are in Missouri during the summer, the populations grows significantly to about 3,000 as they make their trek south during the winter months. The Lake of the Ozarks is a particularly popular area in October through March as well, as the eagles enjoy the expanse of lake and woods, as well the plentiful fish that can be found.

If you are fortunate to have a lake view from your home or vacation spot at the Lake, you will probably spot several eagles each day during the winter months, either perched in large trees at the water’s edge or swooping through the air to seek out prey. One of the most popular viewing places is Bagnell Dam, where the pictures in this article were taken. The dam provides excellent fishing for these magnificent birds, particularly when the turbines are operating. Viewers in the dam area can readily observe eagles, as well as terns and gulls, as they dive for fish.

Eagle Days are observed at the Lake of the Ozarks each year in early January. Since the inauguration of this event in 1999, Eagle Days has been growing in popularity each year, attracting over 4,000 participants and growing. Funded by the community through sponsorships and donations, the two-day event provides presentations, displays, and viewing opportunities that are informative and fun for the whole family. For more information regarding the Lake Ozarks Eagle Days, check out www.lakeoftheozarkseagledays.com

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